Frame transmission method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for decreasing the hardware load from L2 switch MAC address learning for Ethernet-Over-SONET technology that uses VLAN, simplifying frame transmission between Ethernet and SONET, and improving the reliability of each device is disclosed. An Ethernet frame and SONET frame convertible interface part establishes a register that holds an Ethernet frame specific VLANID and SONET frame specific STS path ID in opposition, and a multiplexing part that multiplexes an Ethernet frame having a specific VLANID corresponding to a specific STS path ID that is held by a register among an input plurality of Ethernet frame VLAN ID&#39;s.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/728,938, filed Dec. 8, 2003, now pending, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an Ethernet that utilizes SONET (Synchronous Optical Network: Synchronous Optical Network) path or Ethernet (registered trademark) frame interface technology, and more specifically relates to an interface device, SONET multiplex isolation device, transmission system and frame transmission method that is suitable for use with an interface that uses a 1-to-N path by branching to a plurality of individual SONET frames from 1 Ethernet frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, data transmission that uses the Ethernet has dramatically increased. Increasingly, services of the wide-range Ethernet are widely offered since the wide-range Ethernet of SONET base utilizes a previous network. Thus, Ethernet over SONET technology with mapping of SONET data traffic is required.

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a frame transmission system 500. In the frame transmission system 500, shown in FIG. 8, for example, a client terminal 43 of a personal computer can utilize Ethernet over SONET transmission using a long distance LAN (Local Area Network) or latter-mentioned VLAN (Virtual Local area Network, Virtual LAN), and provides a ring transmission circuit 50 f that comprises an optical fiber, SONET multiplex isolation devices 500 a-500 d that interface between each Ethernet interface and SONET interface, and LAN switches 400 a-400 d that correspond to the Ethernet. Further, a SONET multiplex isolation device is also called a SONET-ADM (Synchronous Optical NETwork and Add and Drop Multiplex [Synchronous Optical NETwork and Add&Drop Multiplexer]) device, ADM device, ADM or ADM node, below, without any specifically determined limits, called simply ADM node.

The transmission rate of the frame transmission system 500 is OC (Optical Carrier) 48. This OC-48 has a plurality of transmission rates OC-1, and OC-3 that are defined for North American digital hierarchy. Further, a container capacity (simply container) for transmission of information data for each transmission rate. The container capacity between the ADM node 500 a and ADM node 500 b that are shown in FIG. 8 are STS (Synchronous Transport Signal)-3c, the container capacity between ADM node 500 a and ADM node 500 c and between ADM node 500 a and ADM node 500 d are defined, respectively, as STS-3c X 2 and STS-1.

Thus, the Ethernet frame that is sent from server 41 is converted to a SONET frame in an ADM node 500 a, the SONET frames are respectively transmitted to ADM node 500 b-ADM node 500 d via ring transmission circuit 50 f, then received by each client terminal 43.

Further, the frame transmission system 500 uses a UPSR (Unidirectional Path Switched Ring) for protection. This UPSR employs of a ring transmission circuit 50 f switching method, and transmitting side ADM nodes 500 a-500 d send identical SONET frames by 2 channels of clockwise and counter-clockwise directions of a ring transmission circuit 50 f, and the receiving side ADM nodes 500 a-500 d. Thus, ADM nodes 500 a-500 d are switched through a path that is specified for ring transmission circuit 50 f when information is detected that is commonly known as broken or deteriorated that is contained in the received SONET frame.

Then, each ADM node 500 a-500 d has a SONET interface part (omitted from the figures) and an Ethernet interface part. FIG. 9 is block diagram of the Ethernet over SONET interface part during 2 switch use. The Ethernet interface part 130 that is shown in this FIG. 9 provides a 1 gigabit Ethernet card (GbE: 1 Giga Bit Ethernet Card) 10 e, an optical-electrical conversion part 10 d that mutually converts Ethernet frame and SONET frame from this 1 gigabit Ethernet card 10 e, a SONET frame, a transmission frame transmitting part 135 that sends a plurality of SONET frames by switching to 1-to-N, a 1st STS interface part 10 a with mapping of N types of SONET frames that are switched for a time slot having a format of things like STS 1, a selector 10 c that selects a local address SONET frame from the time slots and the frame receiving part 136 that isolates the selected SONET frames in plurality.

Thus, in the frame transmitting part 135, an input 1 Ethernet frame is switched to N SONET paths by a 1-to-N switch part 131 a and STS path ID (Identification) of 1-to-N (point-to-multipoint: Point to Multipoint) is imparted by encapsulating by a plurality of multiplexing parts 117. Thus, SONET frames from the plurality of multiplexing parts 117 are output to a ring transmission circuit 50 based on STS-1 units by a 1st STS interface part 10 a.

Further, a time slot of a local ADM node address in a selector 10 c of frame receiving part 136 and the SONET frame that is isolated by isolating a SONET frame of the time slot is output by this. Thus, a SONET frame format with that isolation is processed.

Previously, layer 2 switch was used for copying or isolating the transmitted frames to a plurality of Ethernet ports from 1 Ethernet port that is established for each LAN switch 400 a-400 d when the LAN switches 400 a-400 d output an Ethernet frame for server 41 or client terminal 43.

The L2 switch also manages the applications of the upper position layer above the data link layer that is an OSI layer, and SONET frames are transmitted that have a plurality of tags within the STS path ID when a common L2 switch is used. Also, a common LAN switch manages the layers lower than the data link layer (L2: Layer2).

This L2 switch has a bridge function and performs address learning and filtering in an L2 switch inner part by using a MAC frame MAC (media Access Control) address (Transmission origin address SA [Source Address]). The L2 switch determines whether or not the received frames are transmitted to the sending terminal of the individual ones with bridge connections when a MAC address is read out by this learning. The L2 switch confirms whether or not that MAC address is registered in an inner part MAC address table (address List) and determines things like the 20 multicast of the received frame for the device or terminal that is affiliated with the same VLAN when this is unregistered. Further, long distance LAN is realized using SONET protocol and wide-range Ethernet can be realized.

Thus, the uses of VLAN for Ethernet over SONET are many. VLAN and common LAN both use a plurality of client terminals 43 that are physically connected. The addresses of a plurality 25 of client terminals 43 that are physically connected in a common LAN are confirmed by L2 switch.

Previously, a plurality of user-side devices among the proposed technology used previous LAN adapters. The mutual connection via ATM networks is possible, and the network entirety which contained an ATM switch structure is made such as functioning as one VLAN.

A computer communication network has ATM switches connected to respective LAN interface adapters by interface devices and the interface applies LAN frames to transmission use by ATM networks. Thus, the user side devices can communicate with transmittable wide area networks via these LAN interfaces adapters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Transmitting and receiving Ethernet frames that use L2 switches with MAC address that learn the received frame and transmitted frame stored in the L2 switch inner part as digital data of a routing table (omitted in figures) is necessary. Thus, the L2 switch must have things like an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), LSI (Large Scale Integration) and buffer memory; further, the mechanisms of things like the MPU are complex. Therefore, the L2 switch having a large load produced by the hardware is a problem.

Also, the ability to simply identify with a VLANID (VID) that is previously defined as a STS path ID is desirable when there is encapsulating of Ethernet frames when supporting things like ADM node 500 a. Additionally, the improvement of the reliability of each device in a network is desirable.

In the present invention it is desirable to simplify the frame transmission between the Ethernet and SONET by decreasing the load of the hardware for the MAC address learning of the L2 switches in Ethernet over SONET technology that uses VLAN, and the improvement of the reliability of each device due to being done by taking problems such as these into consideration.

Thus, an interface device of the present invention is characterized by an Ethernet frame and SONET frame convertible interface device being constituted by establishing a 1st holding part with a specific VLAN identifier of an Ethernet frame and a specific STS path identifier of a SONET frame held in opposition, and a multiplexing part that multiplexes the Ethernet frames having a specific ULAN identifier corresponding to a specific STS path identifier that is held in a 1st holding part among an input plurality of Ethernet frame VLAN identifiers (claim 1).

Further, an interface device of the present invention comprises an Ethernet frame and SONET frame convertible interface device establishes a 2nd holding part with a specific STS path identifier of a SONET frame and a specific VLAN identifier of an Ethernet frame held in opposition. An isolation part that imparts a VLAN identifier that corresponds to a STS path identifier is held in a 2nd holding part to an extracted plurality of Ethernet frames by extracting each Ethernet frame and SONET frame STS path identifier from frames originating in the SONET frames with a plurality of Ethernet frames multiplexed.

Also, a SONET multiplex isolation device of the present invention comprises a SONET multiplex isolation device. The device includes an Ethernet interface device and SONET interface device including an Ethernet interface device establishing a 1st holding part with a specific VLAN identifier of an Ethernet frame, and a specific STS path identifier of a SONET frame held in opposition. Also included is a multiplexer part that multiplexes an Ethernet frame having a specific VLAN corresponding to a specific STS path identifier that is held by a 1st holding part among an input plurality of Ethernet frame VLAN identifiers.

The transmission system of the present invention preferably has a 1st SONET multiplex isolation device among a plurality of SONET multiplex isolation devices wherein a 1st holding part with a specific VLAN identifier of an Ethernet frame and a specific STS path identifier of a SONET frame held in opposition, and a multiplexing part that multiplexes a plurality of Ethernet frames having a specific VLAN identifier corresponding to a specific STS path identifier that is held in a 1st holding part among an input plurality of Ethernet frame VLAN identifiers are established, along with a 2nd SONET multiplexing isolation device among a plurality of SONET multiplex isolation devices wherein a 2nd holding part with a specific STS path identifier of a SONET frame and a specific VLAN identifier of an Ethernet frame are held in opposition, and an isolation part that imparts a VLAN identifier corresponding to a STS path identifier that is held in a 2nd holding part in each Ethernet frame that is extracted by extracting each Ethernet frame originating in a SONET frame and an STS path identifier of a SONET frame are established for a transmission system wherein a plurality of SONET multiplex isolation devices with an Ethernet interface device and SONET interface device are established.

Also, a frame transmission method of the present invention has a frame transmission method for an Ethernet frame and SONET frame convertible interface device and multiplexing transmitted Ethernet frames by transmitting Ethernet frames having specific VLAN identifier among a plurality of Ethernet frames by input of a plurality of Ethernet frames.

As discussed below, the effects and applications are as below when done as an interface device, SONET multiplex isolation device, transmission system, and frame transmission method of 10 the present invention.

In one embodiment, an interface device of the present invention, by being constituted by establishing a 1st holding part that holds an Ethernet frame specific VLAN identifier and a SONET frame specific STS path identifier in opposition, and a multiplexing part that multiplexes an Ethernet frame having a specific VLAN identifier corresponding to a specific STS path identifier that is held in a 1st holding part among an input plurality of Ethernet frame VLAN identifiers for an Ethernet frame and SONET frame convertible interface device, the constitution of an interface can be simplified, and an improvement of the reliability can be expected.

In one embodiment, a multiplexing part establishes a filtering part that passes through Ethernet frames having a specific VLAN identifier among a plurality of Ethernet frames and a 1st encapsulating part that encapsulates information data contained in an Ethernet frame that passes through a filtering part. When done like this, simpler VLANID identification is possible since filtering is used without MAC address learning and the constitution can be simplified without the learning.

A multiplexing part is desirable as being constituted by establishing an ID inserting part that inserts a opposing SONET transmission device STS path identifier that opposes an Ethernet frame that is encapsulated by a 1st encapsulating part; when done in this way, frames can be reliably transmitted to opposing SONET devices, and address learning within a LAN switch is unnecessary.

A multiplexing part is also desirable to establish a flag inserting part that inserts a flag which indicates an input side Ethernet frame transmission fault in an Ethernet frame that is encapsulated by a 1st encapsulating part. When done like this, Ethernet side faults can be detected and the reliability of an interface device is improved.

When done as an interface device of the present invention, removal of frame encapsulating can be done simply by converting from STS path ID to VLANID since [this] is constituted by establishing 2nd holding part that holds a SONET frame specific STS path identifier and Ethernet frame specific VLAN identifier in opposition, and an isolation part that imparts a VLAN identifier corresponding to a STS path identifier that is held in a 2nd holding part to an extracted plurality of Ethernet frames by extracting each Ethernet frame and SONET frame STS path identifier from a SONET frame with a plurality of Ethernet frame multiplexed.

In one embodiment, the present invention may also be desirably constituted such as a plurality of Ethernet frames that are imparted by an isolation part being multiplexed in an Ethernet interface; when done in this way, the load to the hardware is decreased, the device constitution is simplified and an improvement is provided to the properties of the Ethernet interface part.

In another embodiment, a SONET multiplex isolation device with an Ethernet interface device and a SONET interface device is established, wherein an Ethernet interface device is constituted by establishing a 1st holding part that holds an Ethernet frame specific VLAN identifier and SONET frame specific STS path identifier in opposition, and a multiplexing part that multiplexes an Ethernet frame having a specific VLAN identifier corresponding to a specific STS path identifier that is held by a 1st holding part among an input plurality of Ethernet frame VLAN identifiers; thus a MAC address becomes unnecessary due to using an individual VLANID for each Ethernet frame.

When done as a SONET multiplex isolation device of the present invention, an Ethernet interface device is constituted by establishing a 2nd holding part that holds a SONET frame specific STS path identifier and an Ethernet frame specific VLAN identifier in opposition, and an isolation part that imparts a VLAN identifier corresponding to an STS path identifier that is held in the 2^(nd) holding part to each extracted Ethernet frame by extracting each Ethernet frame and SONET frame STS path identifier from a SONET frame with a plurality of Ethernet frames multiplexed; thus, for example, a reliably indicated path can be transmitted to the receiving side by comparing VLANID and STS path ID.

When done as a transmission system of the present invention, a transmission system with a plurality of SONET multiplex isolation devices having an Ethernet interface device and a SONET interface device is established wherein a 1st SONET multiplex isolation device among a plurality of SONET multiplex isolation devices is constituted by providing a 1st holding part that holds an Ethernet frame specific VLAN identifier and a SONET frame specific STS path identifier in opposition, and a multiplexing part that multiplexes a plurality of Ethernet frames having a specific VLAN identifier corresponding to a specific STS path identifier that is held in a 1st holding part among a plurality of Ethernet frame VLAN identifiers, along with a 2nd SONET multiplex isolation device among a plurality of SONET multiplex isolation devices by establishing a 2nd holding part that holds a SONET frame specific STS path identifier and an Ethernet frame specific VLAN identifier in opposition, and an isolation part that imparts a VLAN identifier corresponding to an STS path identifier that is held in a 2nd holding part to each extracted Ethernet frame by extracting each Ethernet frame and SONET frame STS path identifier originating in a SONET frame; thus, device reliability can be improved by an automatic shut-down function when there is a fault.

A 1st SONET multiplex isolation device multiplexing part inserting a flag that indicates an input side Ethernet frame transmission fault along with a 2nd SONET multiplex isolation device isolation part that prevents output of an Ethernet frame that should be transmitted by detection of a flag from a frame originating in a SONET frame is a desirable constitution; when done in this way, output of a transmission side Ethernet port of a receiving side SONET multiplex isolation device can be automatically shut-down when there is fault.

When done as a frame transmission method of the present invention, a frame transmission method for an Ethernet frame and SONET frame convertible interface device has a plurality of Ethernet frames input, Ethernet frames having a specific VLAN identifier among a plurality of Ethernet frames pass through, and the passed-through Ethernet frames are multiplexed to a SONET frame STS path identifier range; thus, frames can be reliably transmitted to an objective opposing transmission device, the device constitution is simplified, and property improvement of the Ethernet interface is provided since address learning within a LAN switch becomes unnecessary.

When done as a frame transmission method of the present invention, a SONET frame with a plurality of Ethernet frames multiplexed is received, each Ethernet frame and SONET frame STS path identifier are extracted from a frame originating in a multiplexed SONET frame, and a VLAN identifier corresponding to the extracted STS path identifier is imparted to each extracted Ethernet frame; thus, device reliability can be improved by an automatic shut-down function when there is a fault.

When done as a frame transmission method of the present invention, a frame transmission method for a transmission system that provides a plurality of SONET multiplex isolation devices has an Ethernet interface device and SONET interface device wherein a 1st SONET multiplex isolation device among a plurality of SONET multiplex isolation devices inputs a plurality of Ethernet frames, passes through Ethernet frames having a specific VLAN identifier among a plurality of Ethernet frames, multiplexes the passed-through Ethernet frames, and a 2nd SONET multiplex isolation device among a plurality of SONET multiplex isolation devices receives a SONET frame with a plurality of Ethernet frames multiplexed, extracts each Ethernet frame and SONET frame STS path identifier from a frame originating in a multiplexed SONET frame, and imparts a VLAN identifier corresponding to the extracted STS path identifier to each extracted Ethernet frame; thus, a plurality of SONET multiplex isolation devices can also branch MAC frames to each port without MAC address learning using only VLANID within each data frame and I-to-N transmission becomes possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a frame transmission system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary LAN switch transmitting part in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary LAN switch receiving part in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one example of VLAN.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an ADM node in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary Ethernet interface part.

FIG. 7( a) is a diagram showing an exemplary Ethernet frame format.

FIG. 7 b is a diagram showing an exemplary SONET frame format.

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary Ethernet-Over-SONET system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary Ethernet-Over-SONET interface during L2 switch utilization.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary frame transmission system according to the present invention. The frame transmission system 99 shown in FIG. 1 provides an Ethernet interface part 10 and 44. ADM nodes (SONET multiplex isolation devices) 50 a-50 d preferably have this SONET interface part (SONET interface device). In one embodiment, an Ethernet frame that is input in any of these ADM nodes 50 a-50 d is encapsulated in a SONET frame with a SONET, which is a synchronous optical network preferably has a STS path ID (STS path identifier) inserted. Thus, a SONET frame is transmitted to any of the other ADM nodes 50 a-50 d via ultra-high speed transmission optical fibers (1-to-1 transmission), or transmitted to a plurality of ADM nodes of any other ADM node among the other ADM nodes 50 a-50 d (1-to-N transmission). Thus, a wide-range Ethernet is formed.

In one embodiment, the frame transmission system 99 provides a ring transmission circuit 50 f that transmits SONET frames, ADM nodes 50 a-50 d that are established in ring transmission circuit 50 f, and LAN switches 42 a-42 d that are respectively connected of to ADM nodes 50 a-50 d. A client terminal 43 that is operatively connected to LAN switches 42 b-42 d is also described. Finally, a network control device 99 a that is operatively connected to ADM nodes 50 a-50 d may also be included.

(1) Server 41, Client Terminal 43

In one embodiment, a server 41 holds a plurality of files. The plurality of files, may be used by each of a plurality of a group that are virtually branched using VLAN. Also, a client terminal 43, for example, is similar to a portable terminal that is connected via a personal computer, work station, or wireless circuit (omitted from figures), and has frame transmitting and receiving functions.

It is desired that the server 41 and client terminal 43 have the function of inserting a VLANID, transmission source address (Source Address: SA), transmission destination address (Destination Address: DA) and information data in a transmitted Ethernet frame.

(2) LAN Switches 42 a-42 d (2-1) Function of LAN Switch 42 a and LAN Switches 42 b-42 d

In one embodiment, LAN switch 42 a establishes a plurality of ports in both directions of the input and output sides of an Ethernet frame, Ethernet frames from server 41 or ADM node 50 a are preferably switched (bridge) to, respectively, ADM node 50 a or server 41 (Called “bridge function” below.). Further, LAN switch 42 a inserts and outputs VLANID (for example, 1-3) which identifies each ADM node 50 b-50 d, in the Ethernet frames from server 41.

In this embodiment, the bridge function to the ADM node 50 a produces N (The example that is shown in FIG. 1 is when N is 3.) Ethernet frames preferably copy 1 Ethernet frame from server 41 N Ethernet frames are output to ADM node 50 a. Also, the bridge function to the server 41 allows the multiplexing and output of N Ethernet frames from ADM node 50 a. Below, limits are not specifically determined for the N Ethernet frame multiplex and means the output to ports of 1 place, for example, of N plurality of Ethernet frames having the respective VLANID=1, 2, . . . , N.

The LAN switches 42 b-42 d preferably establish a plurality of ports in both directions of the input and output sides of the Ethernet frames. They output to 1 or more client terminals 43 by multiplexing N Ethernet frames from ADM nodes 50 b-50 d along with having a function of outputting N Ethernet frames to ADM nodes 50 b-50 d by copying 1 Ethernet frame from a plurality of client terminals 43 to N Ethernet frames.

In one embodiment, server 41 outputs, for example, 3 Ethernet frames (refer to FIG. 1) to LAN switch 42 a. The output 3 Ethernet frames, respectively, contain 3 “types of VLANID with data A, B, D. Thus, ADM node 50 a transmits data A which contains STS path ID as previously assigned, between itself and the ADM node 50 b. This preferably occurs when there is an ADM node 50 b-50 d address. Thus, ADM node 50 b removes the STS path ID, when receiving one having the aforementioned STS path ID among the SONET frames, and transmits data A to client terminal 43. Further, data B and C also have the same as the transmission method as data A.

(2-2) LAN Switches 42 a-42 d Frame Transmitting Part

FIG. 2 is a figure that shows the essential parts of a frame transmitting part of a LAN switch 42 a pertaining to an actual embodiment of the present invention; frame transmitting part 44 that is shown in this FIG. 2 is one that transmits Ethernet frames from a server 41, and is constituted by establishing, for example, 4 input Ethernet ports (Called “input port” below.) 110, packet buffers (Ethernet frame buffer) 111, 4 output buffers 114, 4 output Ethernet ports (Called “output ports” below.) 115, header FIFO buffer (Header First-In-First-Out buffer) 11 b, network processor (Network Processor) 112 and routing table 113. Thus, input port 110, packet buffer 111, output buffer 114 and output port 115 from 1 transmission line, further, 4 transmission lines have a common network processor 112 and routing table 113.

In one embodiment, Ethernet frames from a plurality of circuits such as server 41, and client terminal 43, are input to input ports 110. It is desired that packet buffers 111 temporarily hold the Ethernet frame, while output buffers 114 hold the output format Ethernet frame. In one embodiment, the timing is adjusted by latter processing by establishing these packet buffers 111 and output buffers 114.

It is desired that output port 115 outputs Ethernet frames that are held by the output buffer 114. The header FIFO buffer 11 b preferably holds or outputs the header of an Ethernet frame by using a first-in-first-out method. Routing table 113 holds routing information such as routing routes and functions as a learned table where the past routing results are considered to be “learned”. Network processor 112 preferably selects a routing route that has been learned by routing table 113 in each header region that is held in header FIFO buffer 111 b, and writes routing information like the selected routing route.

A switching method for frame transmitting part 44 that is shown in FIG. 2 is further discussed. In one embodiment, a header writes to header FIFO buffer 111 b when an Ethernet frame having a header, a VLANID, and data is input from input, port 110, VLANID and data. Both are then written into packet buffer 111. Thus, the network processor 112 reads out the VLANID that is held in the packet buffer 111 and the destination address that is contained in the header of the front of the head of the header FIFO buffer 111 b and distributes to the 4 output ports 115. Therefore, 1-to-4 switching (Called simply “switching” below) is performed.

(2-3) LAN Switches 42 a-42 d Frame Receiving Part 45

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the exemplary parts of frame receiving part 45 of LAN switch 42 a in one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, frame receiving part 45, shown in FIG. 3, provides 4 input ports 120 that receive Ethernet frames from ADM nodes 50 a (refer to FIG. 1), 4 input buffers 121 that temporarily hold received Ethernet frames that contain data and VLANID. Also included are 4 packet buffers 125 that hold a packet with header processing for Ethernet frames that are held in the 4 input buffers 121, 4 path output ports (output ports) 126 that output the packets that are held in the 4 packet buffers 125 and header FIFO buffer 122 that holds the headers.

Further, input port 120, input buffer 121, packet buffer 125 and path output port 126 function by receiving through 1 receiving line. They also receive along with 4 receiving lines that are common to header FIFO buffer 122, and network processor 112 and routing table 113.

Also, an identical code as the above-mentioned is displayed as identical by one other than these. Further, a complicated explanation of LAN switches 42 b-42 d is omitted since they are identical structures to LAN switch 42 a.

In one embodiment, the Ethernet frames from each input port 120 are respectively written into input buffer 121. Each Ethernet frame header is written into header FIFO buffer 122. Also, network processor 112 reads out VLANID and header from input buffer 121 and header FIFO buffer 122, refers to routing table 113, and selects the path output port 126 that should output the frame. Thus, the network processor 112 generates a frame that is comprised of the header and data in packet buffer 125 and the generated packet is output from path output port 126 based on the communication route.

In one embodiment, the Ethernet frame from a server 41 that is added (Add) in ADM node 15 50 a is transmitted to ADM node 50 b, and the transmitted SONET frame is decapsulated by ADM node 50 b and output from path output port 126.

In this way, the received Ethernet frame is transmittably processed in ADM node 50 b, branched to the 3 directions of the path output port 126 and a wide-range VLAN can be realized.

(3) Simple Explanation of VLAN (3-1) VLAN Example

In one embodiment, VLAN groups client terminals 43 that are connected to a network. This may include affiliating with any group among a virtual plurality of groups without a relationship with things such as physical connections and structures of the client terminal 43. Further, a file is commonly used for each group of a plurality. This grouping method is performed by establishing a prior manager attachment to any group of a 1st group, 2nd group, . . . , Nth group for each client terminal 43. Thus, the grouping is realized according to a logical establishment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram that shows one embodiment of a VLAN. A VLAN 49, shown in FIG. 4, is a network enterprise that comprises establishing a company group (network) 53, company branch A group (network) 51, and company branch B group (network) 52.

In one embodiment, this group 53 has a LAN switch 54 that supports the VLAN, business client terminals 53 a, 53 b, research department client terminal 53 c and client terminal 53 d that is affiliated with the business department or research department. Further, group 51 has LAN switch 56 that supports VLAN, business department client terminal 51 a, research department client terminals 51 b and 51 c. Also, group 52 has LAN switch 56 that supports VLAN, business department client terminals 52 a, 52 b and research department client terminal 52 c. Also, LAN switches 54, 55, 56 have the same function as, respectively, LAN switches 42 a-42 d. Each client terminal 53 a, 53 b, 53 c, 53 d and 51 a, 51 b, 51 c and 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, all, have the same function as client terminal 43.

In this embodiment, when the LAN switches 54, 55 and 56 realize a common switch function, the LAN switch 4 confirms affiliation of each client terminal 53 a-53 d, 51 a-51 d, and 52 a-52 c with an similar network. Also, each client terminal 53 a-53 d, 51 a-51 d and 52 a-52 c can mutually communicate. Thus, the manager establishes client terminals 53 a, 53 b, 51 a and 52 a in a business group and establishes client terminals 53 d, 51 b, 51 c and 52 c in the research group.

Therefore, client terminals 53 a, 53 b, 51 a and 52 a, which are affiliated with the business group, can mutually communicate. The broadcast frames that are transmitted from these client terminal 43 can be broadcast to only client terminals 53 a, 53 b, 51 a and 52 a, 53 d, 51 b, 51 c and 52 c, which are affiliated with the research group, can also mutually communicate. The broadcast frames that are transmitted from the client terminals 43 can be broadcast to only client terminals 53 d, 51 b, 51 c and 52 c.

The client terminal 43 that is shown in FIG. 1 is also previously grouped by establishment 25 by a manager, and mutual communications and broadcasting within a group can be realized.

In one embodiment, communication for client terminals 53 a-53 d, client terminals 51 a-51 c and client terminals 52 b, 52 c must be via a router (omitted from figures) that has a layer 3 function. The reason is due to the VLAN grouping being performed in a layer 2 MAC frame transmittable and receivable range.

Thus, a broadcast frame does not require a relay for client terminals 53 a-53 d, 51 a-51 c, 52 a-52 c (Called “client terminal 53 a, etc.” below. They are physically connected to client terminal 43 due to grouping for VLAN 49, which is shown in FIG. 4, and frame transmission system 99 (refer to FIG. 1). Thus, the network load is decreased and the security increases.

(3-2) 1-to-1 Connection and 1-to-N Connection

In one embodiment, a manager does not need to assign a VLANID to the LAN switches 54-56 when there is a 1-to-1 connection between a client terminal 53 a, etc., shown in FIG. 4, and LAN switches 54-56. Also, the VLANID of the Ethernet frames that are input for client terminal 53 a, etc. are similar. Thus, a tag is also unnecessary.

LAN switch 54 is connected in both directions to LAN switches 55 and 56 when there is a 1-to-N connection between LAN switches 54-56 and client terminal 53 a, etc. Thus, an Ethernet frame that is transmitted and received by ports 2-4 of LAN switch 54 have 3 types of VLANID of client terminal 53 d, client terminal 51 a and client terminal 52 a. Further, 3 types of Ethernet frames with different VLANID flow in via port 5 and LAN switch 55 for all ports 2-4 of LAN switch 54. Thus, LAN switch 54 multiplexes an Ethernet frame with the 3 types of VLANID. The multiplexed Ethernet frames are output to the client terminal 53 a from port 2. Thus, client terminal 53 a isolates each VLANID from the Ethernet frames with the 3 types of VLANID multiplexed.

These 1 to 1 connections and 1 to N connections are identical also for the frame transmission system 99 that is shown in FIG. 1. Thus, grouping can also use ports that are affiliated with a plurality of switches without being restricted when 1 switching hub is used, and, can be composite established such as being affiliated in a plurality of groups like port 3 which is shown in FIG. 4.

(3-3) Assignment of VLANID Using Port System

Various rules are known for assigning respective Ethernet frames and VLANID's. One rule for assigning VLANID is a method wherein a manager imparts one VLANID to each LAN switch port (port method).

In FIG. 4, ports having port numbers 2, 3, 4 of LAN switch 54, respectively, are connected to client terminal 53 a, 53 b and 53 c that are affiliated with group 53. Further, the ports that have port numbers 5, 7 are respectively connected to LAN switch 55 and LAN switch 56. A manager assigns port 1 to group 52 in a LAN switch 54 of 6 ports, for example, and assigns ports 2, 3 to group 53 and ports 5, 6, respectively, in LAN switches 55, 56. Thus, a manager forms a group with a port as a unit.

Thus, a manager forms a VLAN group by establishment according to the LAN switches 5456 when, respectively, modified to an establishment that supports VLAN and the server and files can be commonly used. In this way, the VLAN 49 can be seen such as being a simple network physically, an the realization is comprised of virtually 3 types of independent networks.

(4) ADM Nodes 50 a-50 d

In one embodiment, ADM nodes 50 a-50 d (refer to FIG. 1) are SONET multiplex communication devices with SONET applied. High speed and large capacity data can be transmitted and received, and there can be ATM (Asynchronous Transmission Mode) conversion, ATM multiplexing and low-speed data multiplexing, respectively, using identical ADM nodes 50 a-50 d. Also, each ADM node 50 a-50 d can have band switching of SONET paths and can support a plurality of circuit interfaces.

(5) SONET Path and STS Path ID Establishment

In one embodiment, a manager performs SONET path establishment manually or by using software for 1 (for example, ADM node 50 a) among ADM nodes 50 a-50 d. A manager establishes a SONET path of ADM node 50 a via network control device 99 a (refer to FIG. 1). Thus, information pertaining to a time slot sequence, for example, is commonly known to ADM node 50 a switch fabric (Also called SONET interface devices and STS-SF or STS switches) 12. Thus, network control device 99 a performs circuit management and fault surveillance and various controls of frame communication system 99.

Further, STS path ID establishment, as one part of SONET path establishment, is performed manually by a manger or automatically, using software. The established STS path ID is received by a control interface part 99 b inside ADM node 50 a and written into things like the LSI register of each element (for example, the latter-mentioned registers 11 a, 11 b) inside ADM node 50 a.

(6) ADM Node 50 a-50 d Structures

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of exemplary ADM nodes 50 a-50 d according to the present invention. The ADM nodes 50 a-50 d, shown in FIG. 5, comprise establishing, for example, 20 (#1-#20) Ethernet interface parts 10, control interface part 99 b, control part 11 and a plurality of switch fabrics (STS-SF) 12.

In one embodiment, the function of the Ethernet interface part 10 is realized by, for example, an interface card, comprised of line interface cards #1-#10 and tributary interface cards #11-#20. Thus, a number of STS-1 frames is transmitted that correspond to the band of these interface cards between each line interface card #1-#10 and tributary interface cards #11-#20, thus, becomes as connected by a STS-1 unit via a switch fabric 12.

Control interface part 99 b is one that receives VLANID from network control device 99 a. Further, control part 11 is respectively connected with line interface cards #1-410 and tributary interface cards #11-#20 and controls the action of each interface card #1-#20, being one that can hold the VLANID from control interface part 99 b, has register (1st holding part) 11 a and register (2nd holding part) 11 b.

A plurality of switch fabrics 12, respectively, isolate Ethernet frames from SONET frames along with multiplexing input Ethernet frames to SONET frames, and are established corresponding to STS-1 units. These switch fabrics 12, respectively, are constituted by providing line switches 13 a, 13 b, switch part (BLSR switch & bridge) 14 and time slot interchange (TSI) 15.

In one embodiment, line switches 13 a, 13 b, respectively, are ones that convert Ethernet frames (electrical frames) that are output from each interface card #1-#20 to SONET frames (optical frames). For example, this function is realized by interface cards. Thus, the Ethernet frames of Ethernet interface cards #1-#20 are switched to SONET ring transmission circuit 50 f by way of the interface cards (for example, OC-48 unit) of line switches 13 a, 13 b.

Further, the switch part 14 is one that switches the SONET frames that are input from the line switches 13, 13 b based on a (BLSR (Bidirectional Line Switch Ring: Bi-directional Line Switch Ring) switch system. A ring communication circuit 50 f is connected between ADM nodes 50 a-50 d using, respectively, in-use optical fiber and reserve-use optical fibers; the switch part 14 10 switches the communication direction of SONET frames when there are things like breaks in these optical fibers. Concretely, switch part 14 switches the in-use and reserve-use [fibers], executes things like communication direction conversion (for example, changing from counter-clockwise to clockwise) and performs line switching for reliable communication without breaking SONET frames.

Further, a time slot interchange 15 is one that adds a SONET frame that is switched by switch part 14 to ring communication circuit 50 f. The time slot interchange 115 shifts the sequence (relative position from head of frame line) of 2 time slots 4, 12 among the 15 time slots 1-15, for example, that are included in the input frame row, and the frame line after shifting the time slot sequences 4 and 12 is output as an output frame line. This functions as a switch part (STS-SW). Further, the time slot interchange 15, is duplexed, and is constituted in the same way also for things like devices other than Ethernet interface part 10 (for example, SONET OC-3 interface part).

The register 11 a holds the specific VLANID (previously established specific VLANID) of the Ethernet frame and specific STS path ID (previously established specific STS path ID) of the SONET frame in opposition, and the specific VLANID that is held in this register 11 a is sent to the branching processing part 20 of the Ethernet interface part 10 that is discussed below. Thus, the register 11 b holds the specific STS path 1D of the SONET frame and the specific VLANID of the Ethernet frame in opposition. Below, the held content of the registers 11 a, 11 b are explained as being substantially similar.

Next, the constitution of an Ethernet interface part 10 is discussed using FIG. 6.

(7) Constitution of Ethernet Interface Part 10

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an Ethernet interface part 10 according to the present invention. Ethernet interface part 10 that is shown in FIG. 6 does 1-to-N (Point-to-Multipoint: Point to Multipoint) conversion of common Ethernet and SONET path, and provides a 1 gigabit Ethernet card 10 e, optical-electric conversion part 10 d, branching processing part 20, STS interface part (STSINF-R) 10 a, 2nd STS interface part (STSINF-T) 10 b, Ethernet interface multiplexing part 30 and selector 10 c.

Here, a 1st STS interface part 10 a maps Ethernet frames that have frame forms like, for example, STS-3c (150 Mbps) and STS-12c (600 Mbps) for payload of STS frames like STS-1, and has a plurality of STS frame conversion circuits (omitted from figures). The transmission capacity between these STS frame conversion circuits and a plurality of switch fabrics 12 (refer to FIG. 5) is at 2.5 Gbps (2488.32 Mbps), physically, being at 2.4 Gbps for a payload segment with overhead eliminated (Corresponding to the OC-48 section).

Here, STS-1 has a path of 38 parts, physically, and STS-1 can be used as STS-3c (STS-1 X 3 concatenation [coupling]) by using 3. Further, STS-1 corresponds to 52 Mbps and STS-3c corresponds to 156 Mbps.

Thus, the 1st STS interface part 10 a isolates a frame address destination corresponding to VLANID and the Ethernet frame is mapped for the payload of the STS frames like STS-1 or STS-3c, STS-12c for, respectively, the isolated, for example, 3 paths.

Thus, for example, 3 STS paths are allotted between the switch part (STS-SW) 15 that is shown in FIG. 5, and the Ethernet interface part 10. Thus, the switch fabric (STS-SF) 12 multiplexes and adds (Add) the STS path of each Ethernet interface part 10 to ring transmission circuit 50 f.

Also, each ADM node 50 a-50 d (refer to FIG. 1) is selected by a selector 10 c for a SONET frame of the local address from the ring transmission circuit 50 f, the selected SONET frame is dropped in the 2nd STS interface part 10 b and the dropped SONET frame is input into the Ethernet interface multiplexing part 30.

Further, a 1 gigabit Ethernet card 10 e (refer to FIG. 6) is an interface card that transmits and receives Ethernet frames. The optical-electrical conversion part 10 d uses, for example, a gigabit Ethernet in one embodiment, and is an optical interface like a 1000 Base-SX or 1000 Base-LX. Also, ones like electric 1000 Base-T can be used.

(7-1) Constitution of Branching Processing Part 20 of Ethernet Interface Part 10

Branching processing part 20 is one that encapsulates the Ethernet frames from the optical-electrical conversion part 10 d, and provides a 1st physical terminal part 20 a wherein an input plurality of Ethernet frames physical layers terminate, 1st frame terminal part 20 b wherein terminated Ethernet frame MAC layer, which 1st physical terminal part 20 a terminated, is terminated, a plurality of multiplexing parts 17 that multiplex Ethernet frames having a specific VLANID corresponding to a specific STS path ID that are held in register 11 a among an input plurality of Ethernet frame VLANID's, and detection part 19 a that detects Ethernet frame transmission breaks.

A plurality of multiplexing parts 17 are established corresponding to STS path ID, respectively, and establish filtering part 17 a, buffer 17 b, encapsulating part 17 c, ID inserting part (ID-INS) 17 d and flag inserting part (ID-INS) 17 e. Here, filtering part 17 a passes through Ethernet frames having a specific VLANID among a plurality of Ethernet frames. This filtering function is realized by hardware like LSI, for example. Further, buffer 17 b temporarily holds Ethernet frames that pass through filtering part 17 a.

Also, encapsulating part 17 c encapsulates information data that is contained in an Ethernet frame (MAC frame) that passes through filtering part 17 a. Further, the actual information data that is contained in the MAC frame is extracted.

(7-2) Ethernet Frame Format

Insertion of VLANID by ID inserting part 17 d is performed by the side that transmits the Ethernet frame that contains this VLANID. In FIG. 4, for example, the LAN switch 42 a inserts a VLANID in an Ethernet frame that LAN switch 42 a transmits to server 41, further, server 41 inserts a VLANID (ULAN Protocol Identifier) for an Ethernet frame that server 41 transmits to LAN switch 42 a.

FIG. 7( a) is a diagram that shows an Ethernet frame format according to the present invention. An Ethernet MAC frame that is shown in this FIG. 7( a), the VLANID is written into the actual data region. Further, a virtual path concept is introduced to MAC frames without connection concepts by this by having a transmission destination address (Destination Address) and transmission source address (Source Address) along with VLANID. Also, ADM nodes 50 a-50 d can offer connection type service and security is reliable for each connection.

Also, other than things like VLANID, respective regions of preamble (Preamble), start of frame [delimiter] (Start of frame Delimiter), tag control information (Tag Control Info), length or type (Length or Type), MAC client data (MAC client Data), Pad region (PAD) and error detection bit (FCS) are established in this Ethernet frame, and common packet communication is also supported. Also, prior protocols can be used as is, further, universal communication can be carried out without accompanying design alterations to each type of client terminal 43 and device.

Further, an octet (Octet) displays 8 bits and the MSB (Most significant Bit) and LSB (Least Significant Bit), respectively, display the highest position bit and lowest position bit.

(7-3) ID Inserting Part 17 d

In one embodiment, ID inserting part 17 d (refer to FIG. 6) inserts each opposing ADM node 50 b-50 d STS path ID of the frame receiving destination other than a local one that opposes Ethernet frames (MAC frames) that are encapsulated by encapsulating part 17 c. Ethernet frame data that has been converted to a SONET frame by inserting each STS path ID can be reliably transmitted to opposing ADM nodes ADM 50 b-50 d. Further, the opposing ADM nodes 50 b-50 d identify the received frame by filtering only ones having an indicated VLAN port ID for Ethernet frames that are contained in the received SONET frames.

In one embodiment, the flag inserting part 17 c inserts a flag that indicates an input side transmission fault of an Ethernet frame for an Ethernet frame (MAC frame) that is encapsulated by encapsulating part 17 c. This flag is inserted during encapsulating of a frame and the faults of the Ethernet that are generated in ADM node 50 a of the transmitting side are common to the opposing ADM nodes 50 b-50 d.

Ethernet frames that are multiplexed from the 1 gigabit Ethernet card 10 e can be multicast in a plurality of multiplexing parts 17 corresponding to STS path ID. The multiplexed Ethernet frame is multiplexed in, for example, N types of STS path ID's. Thus, the multicast Ethernet frames, respectively, are input to multiplexing part 17.

Here, when looking at 1 multiplexing part 17, a multicast Ethernet frame is identified in filtering part 17 a that defines the VLANID, and only frames that are uniform with the ID of filter-use with VLANID held in a register pass through this filtering part 17 a. Further, the filtering part 17 a breaks down the frame when the filter-use VLANID and frame VLANID differ. Thus, each MAC frame in encapsulating part 17 c is encapsulated and opposing ADM nodes 50 b-50 d STS path ID's are imparted by ID inserting part 17 d. Further, multiplexing part 17 recognizes a fault that is generated due to detecting part 19 a and a flag is inserted in MAC frame in flag inserting part 17 e when a fault is generated on the 1 gigabit Ethernet interface 103 side.

Thus, N types of multiplexing part 17, respectively, output Ethernet frames with an STS path ID imparted. Further, multiple Ethernet frames that are output from the 1 gigabit Ethernet 25 interface 10 e side are isolated by each path of N types and mapped by SONET frame by a 1st STS interface part 10 a after this isolation. Further, whether there is multiplexing of any path of the line side is established in switch fabric 12 after isolation by each path, and transmitted via ring transmission circuit 50 f.

Thus, multiplexed MAC frames are isolated by STS path ID by filtering based on VLANID in a prior step of encapsulating part 17 c and converted to SONET frames after adding a port ID and 5 flag.

(7-4) SONET Frame Format

FIG. 7( b) is a diagram showing a SONET frame format according to the present invention. A SONET frame that is shown in this FIG. 7( b) has STS path ID, flag (Flag), address (Address) and control information (Control) inserted, further, things like length or type (Length or Type), MAC client data (MAC Client Data), pad region (PAD and error detecting bit (FCS) that are contained in a MAC frame are mapped for a SONET frame.

Further, the SONET path has a 1-to-1 connection with the transmitting side device or client terminal 43, receiving side device or client terminal 43 and each SONET path is assigned 1 ID.

(7-5) Selector 10 c and 2nd STS Interface Part 10 b

Selector 10 c (refer to FIG. 6) selects the local address among Ethernet frames that are multiplexed from switch fabric 12. Further, 2nd STS interface part 10 b isolates the multiplexed Ethernet frames that are selected by selector 10 c and outputs the isolated Ethernet frames to Ethernet interface multiplexing part 30.

(7-6) Constitution of Ethernet Interface Part 10

Ethernet interface multiplexing part 30 establishes a plurality of isolating parts 18, Ethernet multiplexing part 30 a, 2nd frame terminal part 30 b, 2nd physical terminal part 30 c and logic circuit 30 d.

Isolation part 18 extracts each Ethernet frame and SONET frame STS path ID from frames that are converted to electrical Ethernet frames by selection by switch fabric 12 (refer to FIG. 5) among SONET frames with a plurality of Ethernet frames multiplexed, and imparts a VLANID corresponding to STS path ID that is held in register 11 b (refer to FIG. 5) to an extracted plurality of Ethernet frames.

This isolating part 18 establishes a detecting part 18 a that detects a flag that is contained in a SONET frame, an ID detecting part (ID-MSK [ID-Mask}) 18 b that passes through only Ethernet frames having a specific VLANID based on a STS path ID that is contained in a SONET frame and a specific[sic] VLANID that is held in register 11 b, a decapsulating part 18 c that decapsulates a SONET frame having a detected VLANID, a buffer 18 d that temporarily holds an Ethernet frame that is decapsulated by decapsulating part 18 c, and a flag holding part 18 e (This flag holding part 18 e is also desirable as being established in flag detecting part 18 a.) that holds a flag that is detected by flag detecting part 18 a.

Thus, along with 1st ADM node 50 a-50 d multiplexing part 17 inserting a flag that indicates an input side Ethernet frame fault, 2nd ADM node 50 a-50 d isolation part 18 prevents output of Ethernet frames that should be transmitted by flag detection from electric Ethernet frames that are converted received SONET frames.

Also, Ethernet multiplexing part 30 a multiplexes a plurality of Ethernet frames that are imparted by isolation part 18 to an Ethernet interface. Further, the encapsulated Ethernet frames are multiplexed in the Ethernet interface.

Further, 2nd frame terminal part 30 b processes transmission of MAC layers for Ethernet frames that are encapsulated by Ethernet interface multiplexing part 30. Further, logic circuit 30 d is an OR circuit and inputs the OR of the flag holding part 18 e to 2nd physical terminal part 30 c by connecting with, for example, bit 1 or 0 which indicated whether or not there is a flag held in flag holding part 18 e. Also, 2nd physical terminal part 30 c processes physical layers for Ethernet frames that are processed by 2nd frame terminal part 30 b, also, performs circuit control relative to whether or not there is a fault flag. 2nd physical terminal part 30 c circuit control prevents (shut down) frame transmission from the 1 gigabit Ethernet card 10 e when an OR from logic circuit 30 d indicates there is a flag.

Thus, Ethernet frames are encapsulated in opposing ADM nodes 50 b-50 d. At this time, a STS path ID is inserted for each opposing ADM node 50 b-50 d SONET path due to data that is converted to SONET frames being actually transmitted to opposing ADM nodes 50 b-50 d and SONET frames are transmitted.

Thus, opposing ADM node 50 b-50 d Ethernet interface multiplexing part 30 identifies received frames such as passing through only an indicated VLAN port ID. Also, Ethernet interface multiplexing part 30 removes both the port ID and flag from the electrical Ethernet frame which is obtained by converting SONET frames, and frames that have removal of the encapsulation are converted to Ethernet frames and are multiplexed and transmitted to gigabit Ethernet interface 10 e.

A flag is imparted that indicates the Ethernet side input is shut down by flag inserting part 17 e, and input to an ADM node of any of opposing ADM nodes 50 b-50 d. Thus, opposite side Ethernet interface multiplexing part 30 automatically shuts down the Ethernet side output when there is detection of an inserted flag by detection by flag detecting part 18 a. However, this is transmitted as is when a flag is not inserted.

(7-7) Frame Transmission System 99 of the Present Invention

A frame transmission system 99 of the present invention is provided with ADM nodes 50 a-50 d having an Ethernet interface part 10 and switch fabric 12. Thus, along with ADM node 50 a among ADM nodes 50 a-50 d being constituted by establishing register 11 a that holds Ethernet frame VLANID and SONET frame STS path ID in opposition, and multiplexing part 17 that multiplexes a plurality of Ethernet frames having VLANID that correspond to a STS path ID held in register 11 a among the input plurality of Ethernet frame VLANID's, ADM node 50 b among ADM nodes 50 a-50 d establishes a register 11 b that holds SONET frame STS path ID and Ethernet frame VLANID in opposition, and isolation part 18 that impart a VLANID corresponding to an STS path ID that is held in register 11 b for each extracted Ethernet frame by extracting each Ethernet frame and SONET frame STS path ID from frames originating in SONET frames. Also, register 11 a and register 11 b hold identical capacities.

(8) Utilization Explanation

VLANID filtering and frame transmission methods to SONET paths for frame transmission system 100 of one embodiment of the present invention, as previously mentioned, are further explained.

A frame transmission method of the present invention is a frame transmission method for a Ethernet frame and SONET frame convertible interface device 10 which is shown in FIG. 6, for example. Interface device 10 multiplexes and passes through Ethernet frames in the transmission-use SONET frame STS path ID region by passing through Ethernet frames having a specific VLANID among a plurality of Ethernet frames by input of a plurality of Ethernet frames.

Thus, the Ethernet frames are reliably transmitted to the objective corresponding transmission devices, and the hardware load decreases due to address learning being unnecessary for LAN switches 42 a-42 d. Device mechanisms are simplified, providing improvement of properties of the Ethernet interface part 10.

A frame transmission method of the present invention receives a SONET frame with a plurality of Ethernet frames multiplexed, extracts each Ethernet frame and SONET frame STS path ID from electrical Ethernet frames that are converted multiplexed SONET frames and imparts a VLANID corresponding to the extracted STS path ID to each extracted Ethernet frame. Thus, the reliability is improved for the device by an output shut-down function when there is a fault.

Further, respectively, VLANID=1, VLANID=2 and VLANID=3 are imparted in the Ethernet MAC frames for ADM node 50 a that is connected to LAN switch 42 a in FIG. 1. A STS path ID is identified by a VLANID that is inserted in the header by encapsulation in a SONET frame after filtering by VLANID in the ADM nodes 50 a-50 d. In FIG. 1, the frame of VLANID=1 (data A) is transmitted to LAN switch 42 b through STS path ID=1 path (STS-3c). Likewise, the frame of VLANID=2 (data B) is transmitted to LAN switch 42 c through STS path ID=2 path (STS-3c X 2) and the frame of VLANID=3 (data C) is transmitted to LAN switch 42 d through STS path ID-3 path (STS-1).

Further, a VLANID that is written into the Ethernet frame is identified and only frames having a VLANID that is identical to the indicated STS path ID is mapped.

In this way, a frame can be reliably received by LAN switches 42 a-42 d. Also, each ADM nodes 50 a-50 d uses only a VLANID within each data flame without MAC address learning, and a MAC frame can be branched to each port. In this way, 1-to-N transmission becomes possible.

(B) Other

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned preferred embodiment and can 10 be executed with various modifications within a scope which does not deviate from the essentials of the present invention.

For example, the present frame transmission system 99 can use a dual homing system (dual homing). A ring transmission circuit 50 f between each ADM node 50 a-50 d is a network structure that has, for example, 4 (2 pairs) of 2 (1 pair) optical fibers comprised of the rise and fall with this dual homing system.

Concretely, 2 (1 pair) LAN switches (master LAN switch and slave LAN switch) are established on the ADM node 50 a-50 d side for an Ethernet interface part 10. These LAN switches function, respectively, as in-use and reserve-use.

Ordinarily, information data can be transmitted using an in-use path and a control management-use SONET frame can be transmitted using a reserve-use path. Thus, the master LAN switch and slave LAN switch are switched to, mutually, slave LAN switch and master LAN switch when a fault is generated in any of the ring transmission circuits 50 f.

In this way, appropriate transmission protection becomes possible by preventing breaking of in-use Ethernet frames. Otherwise, SDH can be used instead of SONET for the above-mentioned actual conditions.

Further, unifying of the SONET multiplex isolation device and LAN switch is also desirable. For example, things like the number of ADM nodes and number of client terminals 43 are not limited to the above-mentioned and can be realized using various values.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that the invention is capable of a variety of alternative embodiments within the spirit of the appended claims. 

1. A frame transmission method comprising: receiving an Ethernet frame having a value of a VLAN identifier; extracting an Ethernet frame having a given value of the VLAN identifier; encapsulating the extracted Ethernet frame into a predetermined format; inserting a path identifier having a given value corresponding to the given value the VLAN identifier into the predetermined format; multiplexing the predetermined format having the path identifier into a synchronous optical network frame; and outputting the synchronous optical network frame.
 2. The frame transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the synchronous optical network frame is a SONET frame.
 3. The frame transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the path identifier is a STS path identifier of a SONET.
 4. The frame transmission method according to claim 1, further comprising: holding a relationship between the given value of VLAN identifier and the given value of the path identifier. 